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Think back to the days before your diagnosis. Now, look down at your shoes. Do you clad your feet differently than you did before MS?

As a man you’ll forgive me for not completely understanding the connection that many women have with shoes… high heels in particular. I will, however, say that you look VERY good in them so, on behalf of my sex, I thank you for what must be a real pain when you do wear them. I have read many, MANY times how balance issues have taken heels out of the accessory kit for many women with MS and how much they lament their going.

I have had to make my own shifts in footwear due to MS symptoms.

As a chef and frequent flyer hand-made clogs were my shoes of choice for comfort, support and east of slipping off on planes. I fell off those Swedish shoes more times than I can remember just prior to my Dx and even more right after. They were relegated to wardrobe choices of the past.

I now find a sturdy, well-supported shoe or low boot is my go-to. Even my around the house, lounge wear slippers have had to change and firmly fit so not to slip off during my wonky gait around the house.

I believe (rightly or not) that my 3-pint saunter has caused some of the issues which have precipitated into the need for orthotic supports. That in and of itself will make for a whole new set of shoe choices.

You may remember that new leg brace of mine as well. Nothing changes the shoes you buy like having something you have to stick in your shoe. So many won’t fit when you stick in a brace or supportive insert. Some will fit, but look ridiculous when you try to lace them.

Speaking of laces… how about trying to tie your shoes with fine-motor skill issues in your fingers?! Oy!

Finally, we can’t talk about the shoes we all loved without talking about price. Just another one of the luxuries of live we think twice (or three times) about when we think about MS and income.

Sturdy, easy to tie (or not) and usually far from fashionable; that’s the new footwear of my closet.

I’m not whining – and I’ve read some popping about the web that I’ve gotten more “negative” in the past year or so. I don’t think so; I think I’m just being pragmatic and accepting of some things that many people may still fight against (and I wish them well in that fight. I’ve more important things to do with my energy than “fight MS”. I’ll take my limited resources and simply “live with it”.)

Anyway, things change with MS. For many of us it can be evidenced by our shoes. You?

Important: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not Everyday Health. See More

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